PUD offers energy savers for spring and summer

Snohomish County PUD customers can become "conservation sensations" by taking a few easy steps this spring and summer. There are countless ways to save money and help the environment at the same time.

The PUD offers customers the following tips:

• Turn off air conditioners when you're not home.

• Unplug any second refrigerators not in use (or move items to primary refrigerator).

• Defrost your freezer when ice or frost build-up is ¼" or thicker.

• Set your water heater no higher than 120° F.

• Use resource-efficient appliances (PUD offers rebates on purchases of qualifying clothes washers and dishwashers). These appliances save both energy and water.

• When washing your dishwasher, run full loads.

• Install low-flow showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators.

• Repair leaking or dripping hot water faucets.

• Use your microwave instead of your oven whenever possible.

• Use small cooking appliances when possible — electric fry pans, toaster ovens, etc.

• When using your oven, cook more than one item at a time.

• Replace light bulbs with lowest acceptable wattage.

• Close window blinds to shade rooms from direct sunlight.

• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

If you're going out of town, here are a few more ways to save:

• Turn off your water heater at the circuit breaker.

• Unplug toasters, coffeemakers and other small appliances.

• Use power strips for TVs and computers. Turn them off when gone.

• Turn down your heat to 50 degrees; turn off AC during the summer.

• Use compact fluorescent lights with timers for security lighting.

For other energy-saving tips and more information about PUD conservation programs, visit www.snopud.com, or call the PUD Energy Hotline at 425- 783-1700.